civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd How to pronounce civilized (audio)
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice. Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this. Try to act like a civilized human being! a civilized way to spend the evening
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Gauls had been described as barbarians by Julius Caesar and Livy, but now had become these Ur people, far more ancient and civilized than their ancient Roman detractors. JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025 Instead, Moon, high on ayahuasca, crashes a plane into their territory, effectively disappearing himself from civilized society. Maggie Doherty, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 What had begun as a highly civilized event began to morph, in small ways, into the roots of Woodstock. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 The latter were also perhaps more civilized, given the influence of Audi’s 1998 acquisition. Iain MacAuley, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civilized

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilized was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

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